Nicholas A. DeFio

Born in Syracuse to Mary (Leo) DeFio and John DeFio, he lived in Lakeland most of his adult life until he moved to Baldwinsville in 2006. He graduated from North High and SUNY Canton ATC in 1957, where he served as Secretary of his fraternity, Alpha Theta Gamma. Nick was Vice President Director of Sales for Unity Mutual Life until 1969 when he founded Upstate Factors, Inc., an independent insurance agency located in Lakeland, which with his quick wit and hard work grew it into a thriving business still operating today. He was also an active member of the Lakeside Fire Department for more than 20 years, and served as the board’s president from 1977-78. Nick was the consummate comedian. It would be a rare occasion when he did not have a joke or two ready for everyone he met or a laughing crowd around him at any gathering. If you did not laugh with him, then you never met him. He had a passion for life that did not dim in his later years. Family, food and hospitality were his greatest joys and he never missed an opportunity to partake of them. Sunday dinners at his house were commonplace for decades,where he took pride in how his family swelled with so many grandchildren. He approached everyday as an opportunity to enjoy those things that made life worth living. He lived a life of “carpe diem” long before the phrase ever became popular. He was an active communicant of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church for the past 25 years.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Charlamb and the doctors, nurses and professionals of the heart transplant unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, whose combined efforts gave Nick many more months to live the life he enjoyed so much.

He is survived by his Wife of 53 years, Lois; and was “Pa” to his four children, Lori (Timothy) Browne of Baldwinsville, Mary Margaret (Thomas) Brotzki of Hudson, NH, Janine (Thomas) Kamide of Baldwinsville and Daniel (Karen) DeFio of Baldwinsville; and “Papa” to his 11 grandchildren, Bridget Brotzki, Nicholas Poorman, Caroline Brotzki, Kelsey Poorman, Virginia Kamide, Julia Kamide, Laura Kamide, Luke DeFio, John DeFio, Kate DeFio and Ella DeFio; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his close in-laws, Larry (Jennettie) Rocker, Rita (Fran) O’Brien, Peter Rocker, Rev. Stephen Rocker, Kerr DeFio,Stella DeFio, and Ellen DeFio.

He was predeceased by his son, Paul DeFio, his parents, and his siblings Joseph DeFio, Esther Patello, Alexander DeFio, Michael DeFio, Carmella Sidari, John DeFio and Lucille Cannavino.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church,

Baldwinsville. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Clay. Calling hours are

Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, 7333 O’Brien Road, Baldwinsville.

In lieu of flowers, Nick wished that donations be made to St. Augustine’s Church,

Baldwinsville.